Is there a conflict of interest in DCC with the same person overseeing the environmental auditing and preparation of the new Minerals Plan? Why were Preferred Sites selected before the recommendations of the Sustainability Appraisal were known - a process which incorporates the legal requirements of the EU's Strategic Environmental Assessment?
Straitgate Farm near Ottery St Mary in Devon was bought in 1965 in the hope it would yield 20 million tonnes of sand & gravel. Straitgate Action Group was formed in 2001 to oppose a quarry due to concerns over water supplies, ancient woodlands, protected species, road safety and more. After finally gaining permission for just 1 million tonnes on appeal, Holcim UK – formerly Aggregate Industries – abandoned its plans in 2025. This blog records the long path to victory.